The Institute of Landscape Planning and Ecology is pleased to announce the publication of a new scientific article in the journal Habitat International, co-authored by our team member Dr. André Mascarenhas. The article, titled "Balancing density and open space provision towards sustainable compact cities: Evidence from São Paulo, Brasília and Berlin", sheds light on one of the most pressing challenges facing urban planners worldwide: how to reconcile increasing residential density with the need for adequate open space in cities.
In this international comparative study, the research team investigated high-density residential areas in São Paulo and Brasília (Brazil) and Berlin (Germany) to understand how different urban morphologies affect the balance between density and open space. By identifying eight morphological types and analyzing them using seven key urban indicators—including population and housing density, Floor Space Index (FSI), Ground Space Index (GSI), building height, Open-Space Ratio (OSR), and the number of people per built area—the authors provide a nuanced perspective on how compact urban morphologies perform in terms of spatial efficiency and livability.
Reference: Sanches, P. M., Mascarenhas, A., Haase, D., & Silva Filho, D. F. D. (2025). Balancing density and open space provision towards sustainable compact cities: Evidence from São Paulo, Brasília and Berlin. Habitat International, 160, 103362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2025.103362
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